Queensland study finds magpies recognise faces and swoop on the same people

New research has revealed magpies can use facial recognition to target certain people, a timely warning at the start of swooping season.

Griffith University ecologist Dr Darryl Jones found that magpies can recognise and remember passers-by, the Brisbane Times reports.

In an experiment designed by Dr Jones, magpies attacked people wearing certain masks over a period of days, suggesting that they can distinguish between people and focus their attacks on particular victims.

However, Dr Jones also advised that only 10 percent of magpies attack people, with about half of that figure targeting pedestrians and the other half targeting cyclists or posties.

If you are being targeted by magpies, Dr Jones suggests maintaining eye contact with the bird while quickly walking away.

Magpies can use facial recognition to target certain people, research has found. (9NEWS) ()

An online community has also been established to raise awareness about particularly bloodthirsty birds.

The Magpie Alert website tracks “aggressive magpies” across the nation, allowing victims to record and map their encounters.